LOCATION

HOURS

SPECIALIZING IN

TASTING COST

VISIT

Frog’s Leap sounds like it should live in the pages of your favorite childhood fairy tale, somewhere between The Little Mermaid’s grotto and Rapunzel’s tower. Somehow, proprietor John Williams has managed to build a property so intoxicatingly charming, it wouldn’t surprise you if a unicorn casually trotted by. I mean this in the most complimentary of ways. It’s hard to leave Frog’s Leap — it’s that pleasant.

Guided tastings take place in their red barn, and you’ll want a seat on the wraparound porch overlooking the vineyards. If the vines look especially healthy, they are: Frog’s Leap was an early adopter of organic farming, receiving its organic certification in 1989. Tours are offered on weekdays, and on weekends the barrel cellar and gardens become available as well. The wines all show restraint on the winemaker’s part, never succumbing to the over-ripeness that can come so easily in these parts. The prices also demonstrate more modesty than many of Frog’s Leap’s neighbors. Their Cabernet drinks beautifully, but my money’s on their Merlot. Lean and long, it’s almost refreshing for a Merlot — a red you can enjoy under the blazing California sun during the summer months.

WHAT TO TRY: The tasting flight covers most of the Frog’s Leap portfolio. Look forward to selections from their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and a rosé.

INSIDE INFO: Frog’s Leap sits only a five minute drive from Lake Hennessey. Avoid the lunch crowds at Napa’s most happening spots and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the banks of the lake.